TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 25, 2013 – The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) announced today that two state agencies have been selected as the first recipients of Gov. Rick Scott’s “Governor’s Savings Award” in 2013. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) have demonstrated tremendous fiscal responsibility in producing cost savings that help foster a smarter, more efficient government for Florida taxpayers. Both agencies negotiated new contracts resulting in a total of nearly $20 million in savings and improved efficiencies.

Gov. Rick Scott said, “State agencies are continuing to search for ways to create savings and increase the quality of our services throughout state government. These two agencies are starting 2013 off in the right direction by making state government more efficient for Florida families. I pledged to the people of Florida that we would be responsible stewards of public dollars and we will continue that effort every day.”

The Agency for Health Care Administration negotiated a new contract to process Florida KidCare applications and determine eligibility for Title XXI programs. The contract negotiation created approximately $15.8 million in savings. The Office of Financial Regulation negotiated a new contract for ongoing support and maintenance of the system it uses for licensing and regulation. The contract negotiation achieved approximately $3.9 million in cost savings and added services.

Agency for Health Care Administration

The Agency for Health Care Administration negotiated a five percent reduction in the contract, which will require greater efficiencies and decreases the costs of processing applications and renewals beginning in the 2013-14 fiscal year. During the first year of the contract AHCA will realize a cost savings of approximately $2.9 million. This cost savings will greatly benefit taxpayers while maintaining the same level of service for Florida children.

“Under the leadership of Governor Scott all agencies are empowered to implement efficiencies,” said AHCA Secretary Liz Dudek. "We are proud to have been able to work with our partners to negotiate this reduction that will allow families who receive health care from Florida Healthy Kids to receive the same high quality services while costing taxpayers considerably less."

Office of Financial Regulation

The Office of Financial Regulation was able to renegotiate its contract and maintain the same level of IT services the agency needs to meet its core mission of licensing and regulation. The savings from this contract alone represent an overall savings of more than 10 percent of OFR’s annual budget. The Office of Financial Regulation will realize cost savings of nearly $1 million per year for a four year time period.

“The Office of Financial Regulation is extremely honored to be recognized by Governor Scott,” said OFR Commissioner Drew J. Breakspear. “At the OFR we are one team, and our team’s focused energy and synergy create such successes of which we are very proud. Our continuing goal is to serve the citizens of Florida by executing our mission cost efficiently and effectively.”

About the “Governor’s Savings Award”The “Governor’s Savings Award” honors state government employees and partnering private-sector companies that work together in the interest of identifying cost savings and avoidances while increasing the effectiveness of government operations.

Since its launch in mid-October 2012, 12 agencies and more than 25 private sector businesses have been lauded for their efforts, which have resulted in a total of more than $112 million in savings and value-added services for Florida’s taxpayers.

Because of its role as a lead agency in fostering statewide strategies for greater efficiencies, the Department of Management Services helps to identify candidates who meet the award criteria for the Governor’s consideration. The awards are presented to recipients in a quarterly reception at the Governor’s Mansion.

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